Stuck on the road, Our turn to Whine

[WhittleBurner]

Hi Marcy and Gary,
Sorry to her about your troubles. We have a 2019 Reflection 303 and love it. We have a lot of miles on it. But I hear these axle and suspension problems on the forum and wonder when it’s our turn???
Been doing yearly checks of the following:
1. Lubrication of the wheel bearing and replace the rear seal.
2. Lubricate the suspension and bolts before every long distance trip.
3. Visually inspect the suspension welds when lubing the suspension.

Since I am a certified welder and Retired Mechanical Engineer the welds look good. But you never know for sure!

Please attach pictures if you have them.

I’ve often thought the metal is thin and subject to fatigue! Thought I might sketch up some reimbursement gussets.

Anything else I’ve missed?
Did your service Technician have any ideas to reinforce the area?

Thanks for sharing with us!!
Tom

The weld line was not a full run and it didn't appear to have the proper penetration. The weld itself is what broke. I know that with a good weld the weld should never break, the material next to it might but not the weld itself.In this case it was the weld itself that broke. The tech from Lippert who came out and did the fix did a wonderful job. Measured more than once to make sure the alignment would be good and welded in v-clips on all of the brackets for extra strength. On this trip it looked like the nut had come off of one of the bolts on the rear shackle.

[Tom&Trish]

Thanks for the reply and information. This forum is great!!

Two years ago I helped a RV’er get to a good weld shop in Jacksonville as they passed thru on 95. Headed home to New England. The welds broke when leaving Orlando campsite.

[moterbiker]

The replacement panel is much better made

[WhittleBurner]

The replacement panel is much better made

We had another valve that Gary put on, now we have to find the air leak so the water pump turns off. Half way there!

Ordering the part for the tire, spring parts and possibly the hanger if we can't straighten it out.